Pictured in the
Council Chamber are children from
Parkview Special School with the
Mayor, CLLr James Tinsley, their
teacher Ms Alison Jones and
Classroom Assistants. US1608-102A0
Picture By: Aidan O'Reilly

CHILDREN from Parkview Special School got to
experience life as a politician last week when they spent the
day with the Mayor on a visit to the Council Chamber as part of
the annual Mayor's primary school visits.

Parkview was chosen alongside another 11
primary schools by the Mayor to take part in this programme of
visits and the children were delighted to visit as many of they
youngsters were at the Lagan Valley Island Centre for the first
time.

The Mayor, CIIr James Tinsley, said it was a
pleasure to welcome them. "This programme of visits is about
embracing all the primary school children of the area. Even
though this visit is only for a few hours, it gives the children
an opportunity to step outside the classroom and experience
something quite different and exciting.

"It was lovely to meet the children and get
an understanding of their needs, as well as showing them around
the Council facilities."

Ms Alison Jones, teacher at Parkview, said
they were delighted to be invited along by the Mayor.

"Both the staff and the children have been
very excited about this visit. Most of the children have not
been at Lagan Valley Island before and have certainly never been
in the Council Chamber.

"They loved meeting the Mayor and getting to
feel like real politicians sitting in the elected members'
seats. Visits like this enhance the children's life experiences
and I am sure that they will remember this day for quite some
time. I would like to thank the Mayor for inviting us along and
making us feel so very welcome."